IN FAITHFUL SERVICE (Advent Four)

LUKE 1: 8 Once when Zechariah’s division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside. (NIV)

According to Luke, Zechariah served the Lord according to the practices of the priesthood. His division took their turn and then Zechariah was “chosen by lot.” Some would say, “By luck.” Others would say, “By the will of God.” It does not say that Zechariah said, “Well, it’s about time!”

Do we serve faithfully, by the “will of God?” Or, do we get angry and say, “It’s not fair! I haven’t had my turn! I’m better than the others who were chosen!” Serve the Lord faithfully, knowing that our willingness to “wait” while we wait upon the Lord, may be our ultimate joy. Let’s pray:

“Father God, precious is your name above all names. Please, make your home in our lives this very day so that Heaven may “be at hand.” We ask to be of service to you today, this fourth day of Advent. We ask only that we do not know when it happens, with whom it happens, or under what circumstances it happens so that we may not boast. Forgive us when we have been envious of another’s service and let us be of assistance to those who serve, as may be our good work. In the name of, and by the power of, our Lord Jesus, we pray. Amen”
Doris
“God gives us stories that testify to His love. Let me tell you mine.”
Copyright 2011 Doris Gaines Rapp, Ph.D.